Exodus
The club, today, announced the first of many departures in readiness for clearing the decks for life in the Conference.
As expected Reuben Hazell has had his contract fulfilled after never having kicked a ball in anger for the first team. He did make four appearances in a Red shirt in reserve games during March but then, after some glowing reports, vanished once more with claims of his knee problems re-emerging.
There were thoughts that because he'd played in a crop of reserve games that he would then go on to play a first team game but this was discounted for legal reasons.
Hazell was signed by the former manager, Jan Molby, from Torquay Utd during the close season with Molby saying that he'd had signed a player that doesn't miss many games through injury. This was at odds with what Torquay fans were saying about his long term injury that saw the end of his time at Plainmoor.
It can be said that the injury was not shown up until after he had signed a contract with us but a good lawyer would have recommended that the contract be declared null & void once the extent of it was known. Surely the contract is mainly for playing purposes and if that player fails to play then it should be ripped up.
That was an expensive contract at £50,000.
The other one to leave today was Jamie Gleeson. He came to us in the close season from the Southampton youth team but never really got his chance. Mainly due to him being 'not very good'.
He made just two first team starts for us and six as sub picking up one booking along the way.
He had a trial with Hereford Utd two weeks ago when he played for them in the semi final of the HFA Senior Invitation Cup against Kington Town. He didn't score in the 4-1 win and has not played for them since.
Also rumoured to be on his way is Gary Birch.
He, also, has been a great disappointment making just a handful of appearances for us since joining us prior to Christmas. Apart from a spell during the defeat at home to Grimsby on Saturday he has looked overweight and lacking fitness.
He did score a cracking goal to put himself in the shop window but I fear it was too little too late and if he does use the 'relegation' clause to avoid taking a 60% pay cut then I can see him with the only option of signing for another non League club next season anyway.
He might as well stay at Aggborough then.
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